Thursday, October 23, 2008

AUTUMN OBSERVATIONS

When the temperature drops into the 50s in New York City (where I grew up), autumn is welcomed with really chic sweaters.

When the temperature dips into the 60s in Virginia (where I now live), fall’s arrival is heralded by displays of pumpkins and gourds.

When the temperature slides into the 70s in Los Angeles (where I was last week), the change of season is greeted with fire!
Residents in every part of town were hauling home cords of wood for their fireplaces. My son and his friends celebrated with a bonfire on the beach. And, in every backyard and restaurant patio, firepits were burning brightly.

And, once autumn has arrived, Halloween can’t be far behind. Window displays along Abbot Kinney Blvd. were ablaze with SoCal (southern California) flair--and lanterns.

One of my favorite windows was lit with Dutch designer, Tord Boontje’s chandeliers.

Famous for his amazing paper cuttings, Tord also has a line of lighting with Swarovski crystals. You can take a peek at these dazzling designs at Studio Tord Boontje (Slick on projects.)
www.tordboontje.com

Many store displays have Day of The Dead Mexican themes.

Others exhibit sassy style.

And a few aim for tradition with fuzzy spiders!

*** BLOG DU JOUR***
Please welcome new blogger Cheryl of Cheryl’s Fascinating Finds. She’s only posted twice so far, but what an eye for romantic finds!

22 comments:

shabbyfufu said...

Hi Barbara....still hot as blazes here in So Fla and rainy muggy sticky too! I love the chandelier. ~XO~Janet

Anonymous said...

hi barbara!good one!i like the autumn..take care

FrenchGardenHouse said...

Barbara,

It's still HOT here this week too! I'm looking forward to low 70's so we can use the fireplace.:) (you came on the right week, the weather is icky hot now)
Tord Boontje is a favorite of mine, he designs such wonderful, inspiring pieces.
xo Lidy

Cathy said...

Hi Barb,

Just love that bonfire. The chilly New England winds are making that look really toasty right now.

Thanks for stopping by my blog. TTYS,

xo Cath

NeereAnDear said...

Oh my what Fantabulous lighting... love Tord Boontjes creations... now that would be a piece to cherish forever...

Fire pits are ablaze around here.... chilly at night... going to do ours up this weekend...

Must say I agree with you Cheryl has an eye for style

HUGS

JO

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

When I loved in Fl if it got to 70 degrees the locals donned winter coats! I am off to check out Cheryl!
Penny

The Old Painted Cottage said...

Hi Barbara. I know we're looking forward to many cold nights and warm fires this coming season.

By the way, you were so right about the punched gourds...what was I thinking? Maybe next Halloween. The last thing I need is another project!

oxox
Jennifer

Anonymous said...

Wonderful autumn post, Barbara.

Cheryl stopped by the back porch recently. Her new blog is great!

The Teacup Cottage said...

On the military installtion the cooler weather was greeted with fire pits which means the military police has to be extra viligent since all the home are multiple units. I was never concerned until my newest neighbor, but that's a post for a different day.

Anonymous said...

It's getting cold here in OR ~ and that Bonfire looks inviting!! NYC in Winter ~ LOVE it. Fun Post!

Fifi Flowers said...

Autumn is a WONDERFUL time of year! Lovely post!

Lori @ Katies Rose Cottage Designs said...

Ohhhh I loved it when I lived in California to have bonfires on the beach~ thank you for reminding me of such a fun memory !
xoxo,
Lori

Rue said...

Hi Barbara :)

I loved eating at outdoor restaurants when I lived in California. That's one thing I do miss.

Boontje’s chandeliers are beautiful!

Have a wonderful Sunday!
rue

Susie Q said...

I love Autumn in every way...and here in Ohio, it is chilly and the air is crisp. Love that bonfire...nothing is more sweet on a chilly Fall night!

Stop by and see me today! It is my birthday and I am taking us all to NYC! *smile*

Stay well...have a great week Barbara!

Love,
Sue

Alison Gibbs said...

Barbara what a wonderful Autumn post and here in Australia we are in mid Spring.
Alison

CIELO said...

I so enjoyed this post and its creativity! One of the things I love about NY is precisely all the fashion fanfare that goes there... here is my part of the neck of the wood fishing the Big Lost River, and hunting, seems to be autumns’ favorite things to do. Ummm, I’m thinking if I should move to NY. :)

Have a lovely day and rest of the week, Barbara.

Cielo

Vintage Rose Collection said...

Hi Barbara,
Yet another very festive post to get us all in the mood! Love the bon fires!
Happy Halloween!
JO
xo

Sara's Sweet Surprise said...

I ventured through your past posts. I enjoyed the Boootiful Halloween tour, especially the adorable tour guides. I've got a white kitty who's costume once again is going to be a ghost. She likes keeping it simple. Lol!
Halloween is sooo fun. It's a big event at our home. We get over 150 ghost, goblins, pirates... on our doorstep. My hubby takes the day off and helps me with, goodie bags, fog machine, music.... We've got six blow-ups around our yard. The children's anticipated faces as they walk the path to our door is priceless.

kari and kijsa said...

Fabulous fall goodies- love those paper cuttings!!

blessings,
kari & kijsa

Creations by Marie Antoinette and Edie Marie said...

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Barbara said...

I'm amazed at all the fire pits when they tellme the weather is still 90f.

Laura said...

Hi! New reader here :D I have really enjoyed reading your blog!